Europe's First Renewable Synthetic Natural Gas Produced in Extremadura Through Green Hydrogen and CO2
Europe s pioneering renewable synthetic natural gas GNR is now a reality, produced in Extremadura by combining green hydrogen with biogenic CO2. This innovative process marks a significant milestone in the European energy transition, demonstrating that green gases can be directly injected into existing gas networks.
The project is driven by the German company Turn2X, which has established a plant in Miajadas, Extremadura, employing a disruptive Power to Gas P2G technology. This process involves synthesising high-purity methane from 100 per cent renewable hydrogen and CO2 sourced from local biogas plants, utilising the Sabatier reaction.
Once produced, this renewable natural gas can be transported via existing natural gas infrastructure to industrial clients. It has already been successfully injected into the Gas Extremadura distribution network, offering a practical solution to decarbonise sectors where electrification is challenging, such as steel manufacturing, the ceramics industry, and maritime operations.
The T2X project, managed by Turn2X Asset Co II Extremadura SL, features a 9-megawatt electrolysis capacity, expected production of around 6390 tonnes of green hydrogen over its first decade. Pending formal subsidy agreements, the project is set to receive a fixed European premium of zero point six two euros per kilogram of certified hydrogen produced over ten years.
Following the approval of funding, companies have up to five years to operationalise the plant. Turn2X has also secured a renewable energy Power Purchase Agreement PPA with Axpo Iberia, ensuring that the electricity used in production is entirely renewable, supplied by Aquila Clean Energy.
The choice of Extremadura is strategic, capitalising on the regions abundant sunshine and its proximity to the future European hydrogen pipeline. This infrastructural advantage reinforces its potential as a central hub for renewable gas production.
Furthermore, the success of this initiative has prompted the company to plan an industrial expansion, with environmental permits underway for a second plant in Miajadas. Local talent and existing energy investments, like the over two billion euros mobilised by regionalised energy enterprises such as Eficae, support this growth.
At a national level, Spain offers an additional four hundred forty million euros from European auction mechanisms to projects meeting technical requirements but awaiting funding, strengthening the countrys role in sustainable energy innovation. Turn2Xs tangible industrial arrangements demonstrate that green hydrogen and renewable gases are no longer future promises but viable components of Europes decarbonised economy.
This emerging industrial ecosystem will attract investments, generate high-quality employment, and position Spain and Extremadura as key drivers in Europas energy independence and sustainability ambitions.